R2024-339 Resolution Authorizing An Agreement with JPL Enivronmental Engineering to Prepare A Grant-Funded Plan for Composting and Food Waste Reduction

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EXHIBITA— PAGE A4 Each of these factors and others combine to limit what type of compost facility is appropriate for a given location. For example, open windrows, with spacing in between, have lower cost of operation but require turning at least three times during active composting and this releases odor from the piles. The windrow piles consume comparatively more space on the property. If the selected site is distant from receptors and has enough room, this is a desirable choice. If, however, there are residents nearby who are concerned about odors, and the available space for composting is small, use of forced aeration under the pile is a better option to avoid turning the pile during active composting. This approach allows them to be constructed with no space in between. Under either approach seasonal volumes fluctuate, and this must be considered as a space consideration, as most yard waste for composting is generated during late spring, summer, and early fall. Another example is the selection of equipment. On the front end, if the goal is to grind yard waste and mix it with food scrap, the amount of each material dictates the size and type needed to accomplish this. On the back end, if the goal is to use sediments and create a topsoil mix from the finished compost, the proper equipment selection and storage becomes important. These examples show that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the design of an organic material composting facility. The conceptual design will take these and other factors into account to meet the vision and mission statement of the Plan, while taking into consideration the identified financial constraints that must be considered to operate in a sustainable fashion. 5. Evaluation of windrow design vs. a mechanical aerobic or anaerobic digestion system As identified above for the conceptual design, the evaluation of various specific organic material processes will depend on environmental and economic factors that either support or reject the use of one technology over the other. The type and availability of different feedstocks might favor one over the other. For example, a process exists to convert high moisture food scrap into a liquid soil nutrient (Terreplenish) that can create a separate added value product for sale at the facility, in addition to finished compost. As the compost process becomes more complex the upfront capital cost increases, and financing can become an issue. The JPLEE team will summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using one technology over another, factoring in the amount and types of waste identified in the Plan, the commitments of stakeholders and regulatory barriers. 6. Estimates of compost production The amount of compost production will be calculated by the JPLEE team using the identified amount and type of reliable feedstock as input, and the processing capacity imposed by the selected compost location, equipment, and technology 3